Samuel Chatten

About

I decided from an early age that I wanted to do something in healthcare. This probably had something to do with my mother being a nurse, but I was always fascinated with science and the human body. When choosing my A Levels I found a profession that involved both chemistry and biology which was pharmacy. I researched it more and did some work experience at a local hospital pharmacy and was completely sold.

Why did you choose Medway School of Pharmacy?

When I visited Medway School of Pharmacy I instantly felt like this was the place for me. I know it sounds a cliché but it just felt right. The course was well structured, the lecturers who gave talks were inspiring and the employment after graduation was excellent at 100%. All of these factors lead to no hesitation to choose it as my first choice after they offered me a place here.

What are your favourite aspects of the course and Why?

The course is well thought out. I was part of the first year to experience the new integrated course in year 2. I can honestly say this change has been beneficial with a more clinical and patient focus on our studies. I particularly enjoy our dispensing labs and workshops which involve problem based learning. Some labs really challenge you as there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer and it’s all about being able to justify your decision. I am currently in my final year and am conducting a sustained research project in pharmaceutics, looking at the polymer polyethylene oxide in gastro retentive tablet technology. Although daunting at first, working with two colleagues, we have made and tested our own tablets. It is fascinating seeing some of the theory that we have studied previously in action. Something which Is not always available in other schools of pharmacy is the opportunity to go out on placement. This has been particularly beneficial to me as I have managed to obtain a pre-registration place with a hospital trust that I had previously completed a week’s placement with in my third year, as well as a two week summer placement.

What are your favourite things to do socially, in or around the campus?

When we have gaps in our timetable there are a number of places that you can go to. I tend to visit the café in the library. Outside of the campus, I like going to the gym of which there are a few in the local area. London is only a 50 minute train journey from Gillingham to either London Victoria or St Pancras International so in my downtime I sometimes go for a day trip with my girlfriend.

What would you say to prospective Medway School of Pharmacy students?

Medway School of Pharmacy has a lot to offer a prospective student. The staff are excellent and they all want to you to do well. I genuinely feel part of a community within the school. The course is well thought out and although it’s tough, it’s rewarding when you go out on placement and the knowledge and skills that I have developed are relevant and you understand what is going on. Medway School of Pharmacy may be one of the newer schools of pharmacy but it is definitely outperforming some of the established schools of pharmacy in terms of passing the pre-registration examination. They also help you after you graduate with seminars and training weekends, another thing that many schools of pharmacy do not offer.